26 November 2010 07:25

Wayne Rooney is expected to start his first Manchester United home game for more than two months with captain Nemanja Vidic giving the firmest indication yet that the Old Trafford striker has been forgiven for suggesting his team-mates were no longer good enough to win trophies.

Rooney hopes to start against Blackburn after scoring the winner from the penalty spot at Rangers in the Champions League on Wednesday. If he does, it will be his first home start since the 3-2 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford on September 19.

Although Rooney's criticisms of United during last month's contract wrangle did not go down well in the Old Trafford dressing room, it would appear that the 25-year-old's subsequent apology has gone a long way to quell the storm.

Vidic said: 'We have to forget what happened. It is great news he has signed a new contract and will be part of Manchester United for the next few years. He showed on Wednesday that he is hungry to play for this club. He is hungry to score goals.

'It was important for his confidence that he got the penalty against Rangers. He can build from that and the aim for him now is to achieve last season's form.' Rooney feels he is fitter than he would normally be after an extended period on the sidelines, largely due to a week he spent working on his conditioning in the United States.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has little intention of easing his star striker back into the fray and after a substitute appearance in last week's win over Wigan, Rooney is pencilled in to start today.

'Playing is the name of the game now,' said Ferguson. 'He was very rusty on Wednesday. But when he took his penalty kick, he came to life. Hopefully that is a step forward for him.'

Sidelined: Fletcher will miss the Blackburn game due to an ankle injury

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce is a huge admirer of Rooney and feels he will be near his dangerous best today. Allardyce said: 'Look what he achieved last season when United needed him the most.

He scored 30-plus goals. When they lost Cristiano Ronaldo, he stepped up to the mark and produced. Somewhere along the line we all have our ups and downs but I've no doubt he will come back and be outstanding for United again.'

Danish goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard was last night finalising his move to United from Norwegian club Aalesunds. The 26-year-old has agreed personal terms and was due to have his medical late yesterday before agreeing to join in January.

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